Asus MAXIMUS EXTREME User Manual
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Asus MAXIMUS EXTREME User Manual

Asus MAXIMUS EXTREME User Manual

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  • Page 1 Maximus Extreme...
  • Page 2 Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Notices ....................... viii Safety information ..................ix About this guide ..................x Maximus Extreme specifications summary ..........xii Chapter 1: Product introduction Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Special features ................1-2 1.3.1 ROG intelligent Performance & Overclocking features .. 1-2 1.3.2...
  • Page 4 4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ............4-1 4.1.2 Creating a bootable floppy disk ........4-4 4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ........... 4-5 4.1.4 AFUDOS utility ..............4-6 4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ........4-8 BIOS setup program ..............4-9 4.2.1...
  • Page 5 Boot Device Priority ............4-35 4.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......... 4-36 4.7.3 Security ................. 4-37 Tools menu ................. 4-39 4.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............4-39 4.8.2 ASUS O.C. Profile ............4-40 4.8.3 AI Net 2 ................. 4-41 Exit menu ..................4-42 Chapter 5: Software support Installing an operating system .............
  • Page 6 ® 5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II ............5-21 5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ............... 5-27 5.3.6 ASUS EPU Utility—AI Gear 3 ........5-29 5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap ..............5-30 5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2 .............. 5-31 5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster ............5-32 5.3.10...
  • Page 7 6.3.2 Using the Catalyst™ Control Center ....... 6-7 Appendix: CPU features Intel EM64T ..................A-1 ® Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST) ......A-1 ® A.2.1 System requirements ............A-1 A.2.2 Using the EIST ..............A-2 Intel Hyper-Threading Technology ...........A-3 ® Using the Hyper-Threading Technology ........A-3 Debug Code Table ................A-4...

  • Page 8: Notices

    Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 9: Safety Information

    Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected.

  • Page 10: About This Guide

    Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.

  • Page 11: Conventions Used In This Guide

    Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.

  • Page 12: Maximus Extreme Specifications Summary

    ® ® Support Intel next generation 45nm Multi-Core CPU ® Compatible with Intel 06/05B/05A processors ® * Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list Chipset Intel X38 / ICH9R with Intel Fast Memory Access ® ® Technology System Bus...
  • Page 13 - AI Booster Utility - O.C. Profile Overclocking protection: - COP EX (Component Overheat Protection -EX) - Voltiminder LED - ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ASUS Special Features Fusion Block System LCD Poster EL I/O Onboard Switches: Power / Reset / Clr CMOS...
  • Page 14 WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis Intrusion, PXE Accessories Fusion Block System Accessory DIY Pedestal ASUS Optional Fan 3 in 1 ASUS Q-connector kit UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable Floppy disk drive cable Serial ATA cables Serial ATA power cables 2-port USB2.0 module + IEEE1394a module...

  • Page 15: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. Product introduction...
  • Page 16 Chapter summary Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Special features ................1-2 ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 17: Welcome

    ® The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.

  • Page 18: Special Features

    Special features 1.3.1 ROG intelligent Performance & Overclocking features Crosslinx Crosslinx is a unique technology utilizing a dedicated special graphics controller to optimize PCIe allocation with x16, x8, x8 lanes. Such architecture eliminates the x4 bottleneck found on competing x16, x16, x4 solutions. Hence, the Crosslinx is able to provide faster graphics performance.

  • Page 19: Loadline Calibration

    Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency at 1MHz increment to achieve maximum system performance. AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 20: Rog Unique Features

    ASUS O.C. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite settings.

  • Page 21: Asus Mylogo 3

    ASUS Q-Fan plus technology The ASUS Q-Fan plus technology smartly adjusts the CPU and chassis fan 1 speeds according to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. See pages 4-33, 4-34 and 5-31 for details. Optional Fan (for water-cooling/passive-cooling only)
  • Page 22 Fanless Design - Stack Cool 2 ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers the temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat these critical components generate.

  • Page 23: Product Highlights

    DDR3 1333/1066/800 architecture, 1333/1066/800 FSB (Front Side Bus), dual PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics, and multi-core CPUs. With the specially included Intel Fast Memory Access technology, available memory bandwidth ® usage is optimized and memory access latency is reduced—allowing faster memory speed. ASUS Maximus Extreme...
  • Page 24 PCIe 2.0 This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for twice the current speed and bandwidth. This enhances system performance while still providing backward compatibility to PCIe 1.0 devices. See pages 2-20 and 2-22 for details. DDR3 memory support The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.

  • Page 25: High Definition Audio

    Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
  • Page 26 1-10 Chapter 1: Product Introduction...

  • Page 27: Chapter 2: Hardware Information

    This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard. Hardware information...
  • Page 28 Before you proceed ..............2-1 Motherboard overview ..............2-5 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ........... 2-9 System memory ................. 2-16 Expansion slots ................2-20 Slide switch ................2-23 EL I/O, LCD Poster and Audio card Installation ...... 2-24 Connectors ................. 2-26 ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 29: Before You Proceed

    BIOS. Refer to the illustration below for the location of the CPU LED and the table below for LED definition. CPU_CRAZY CPU_HIGH CPU_NORMAL ® MAXIMUS EXTREME MAXIMUS EXTREME CPU LED Normal (green) High (yellow) Crazy (red) CPU Voltage 1.10000~1.50000 1.50625~1.69375 1.70000~...
  • Page 30 BIOS. Refer to the illustration below for the location of the northbridge/ southbridge LEDs and the table below for LED definition. NB_CRAZY NB_HIGH NB_NORMAL ® SB_CRAZY MAXIMUS EXTREME SB_HIGH SB_NORMAL MAXIMUS EXTREME North/South Bridge LED Normal (green) High (yellow) Crazy (red) North Bridge Voltage 1.25~1.49 1.51~1.73 1.73~ FSB Termination Voltage 1.20~1.40 1.42~1.60...
  • Page 31 LEDs shows that the frequency is high (fast). Refer to the illustration below for the location of the FSB frenquency LEDs and the table below for LED definition. Fast Default ® MAXIMUS EXTREME MAXIMUS EXTREME Frequency LED 200-299 300-399 400-499 500-599 600~ (Default)
  • Page 32 ® HD_LED MAXIMUS EXTREME MAXIMUS EXTREME Hard Disk LED Power LED The motherboard comes with a power-on switch as the standby power LED. The switch lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode.

  • Page 33: Motherboard Overview

    Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis ® MAXIMUS EXTREME ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 34: Motherboard Layout

    PCIEX1_1 NB_CRAZY NB_HIGH NB_NORMAL RST_SW PCI1 PWR_SW JMB363 ® PCIEX16_1 Marvell HD_LED PCIEX1_2 88E8056 ® Intel ICH9R SATA12 MAXIMUS EXTREME SB_CRAZY SB_HIGH PCIEX16_2 SB_NORMAL SATA34 PES24N3 Marvell 88E8056 PCI2 SATA56 USB78 USB1112 CR2032 3V VT6308P PCIEX16_3 Lithium Cell CHASSIS CMOS Power...

  • Page 35: Layout Contents

    Side Speaker Out port (gray) 2-27 USB 2.0 ports 1, 2, 3 and 4 2-27 External SATA port 1/2 2-27 IEEE 1394a port 2-28 Clear CMOS switch 2-28 Optical S/PDIF Out port 2-28 USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 2-28 ASUS Maximus Extreme...
  • Page 36 Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 2-34 ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 2x4-pin EATX12V) 2-34 Digital audio connector 2-37 (4-1 pin SPDIF, for ASUS HDMI VGA card) ROG connector (2-pin ROG) 2-37 System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 2-38 Onboard switches...

  • Page 37: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related. • Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA775 socket.

  • Page 38: Installing The Cpu

    Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. ® MAXIMUS EXTREME MAXIMUS EXTREME CPU Socket 775 Before installing the CPU, make sure that the cam box is facing towards you and the load lever is on your left. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B) until it is released from the retention tab.
  • Page 39 The motherboard supports Intel LGA775 processors with the Intel Enhanced ® ® Memory 64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel SpeedStep ® Technology (EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology. Refer to the Appendix for more information on these CPU features. ASUS Maximus Extreme 2-11...

  • Page 40: Installing The Cpu Heatsink And Fan

    2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel ® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. • When you buy a boxed Intel processor, the package includes the CPU fan ®...
  • Page 41 Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. CPU_FAN ® MAXIMUS EXTREME MAXIMUS EXTREME CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors will occur if you fail to plug this connector. ASUS Maximus Extreme 2-13...

  • Page 42: Uninstalling The Cpu Heatsink And Fan

    2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan: Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the connector on the motherboard. Rotate each fastener counterclockwise. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to disengage the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.
  • Page 43 The narrow end of the groove should point outward after resetting. (The photo shows the groove shaded for emphasis.) Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package for detailed information on CPU fan installation. ASUS Maximus Extreme 2-15...

  • Page 44: System Memory

    A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR3 DIMM but is notched differently. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: ® MAXIMUS EXTREME MAXIMUS EXTREME 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Channel Sockets...

  • Page 45: Memory Configurations

    Due to chipset limitation, this motherboard can only support up to 8 GB on the operating systems listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot. 64-bit Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Windows Vista x64 Edition ASUS Maximus Extreme 2-17...
  • Page 46 Supports one pair of modules inserted into either Channel A or Channel B as one pair of Dual- channel memory configuration. Supports four modules inserted into the blue and white slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration. Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR3-1333/1067/800 MHz QVL. 2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 47: Installing A Dimm

    DIMM. Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force. Remove the DIMM from the socket. ASUS Maximus Extreme 2-19...

  • Page 48: Expansion Slots

    Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

  • Page 49: Interrupt Assignments

    — shared USB 2.0 controller 2 — — shared — — — — — SATA controller 1 — — — — — — shared — SATA controller 2 — — — — — — shared — ASUS Maximus Extreme 2-21...

  • Page 50: Pci Slots

    2.5.4 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. 2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.

  • Page 51: Slide Switch

    CLRTC_SW ® MAXIMUS EXTREME Enable Disable (Default) MAXIMUS EXTREME Clear RTC RAM clr CMOS switch behavior System power state (DOS mode) (OS mode) Clearing CMOS *G3: Power off without +5VSB power (AC power loss); S5: Power off with +5VSB power ** The system shuts down immediately.

  • Page 52: El I/O Shield, Lcd Poster And Audio Card Installation

    EL I/O shield, LCD Poster and Audio card Installation 2.7.1 EL I/O shield and LCD Poster Installation Orient the motherboard and install Install the EL I/O shield to the it to the chassis. Make sure that the chassis by snaping it in place from motherboard external ports fit the inside.

  • Page 53: Audio Card Installation

    Locate the audio slot on the package. motherboard. Align the card connector with the The photo below shows the audio slot and press firmly until the card card installed on the motherboard. sits on the slot completely. ASUS Maximus Extreme 2-25...

  • Page 54: Connectors

    Connectors 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors CMOS PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via a coaxial S/PDIF cable. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
  • Page 55 Serial ATA hard disk drives to the External SATA port 1 and The external SATA port supports external Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s devices. Longer cables support higher power requirements to deliver signal up to two meters away, and enables improved hot- swap function. ASUS Maximus Extreme 2-27...
  • Page 56 • Before creating a RAID set using Serial ATA hard disks, make sure that you have connected the Serial ATA signal cable and installed Serial ATA hard disk drives; otherwise, you cannot enter the JMicron RAID utility and SATA BIOS setup during POST. •...

  • Page 57: Internal Connectors

    PIN 1. ® MAXIMUS EXTREME PIN 1 MAXIMUS EXTREME Floppy disk drive connector IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray.
  • Page 58 (usually zigzag) on the IDE cable to PIN 1. ® MAXIMUS EXTREME MAXIMUS EXTREME IDE connector ICH9R Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1~6) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID...
  • Page 59 Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! You can connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard. ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 60: Thermal Sensor Cable Connectors (2-Pin Opt_Temp)

    Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard! You can connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector (1394, red) first, and then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector onboard. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1-3) These connectors are for temperature monitoring.

  • Page 61: Cpu, Chassis, And Optional Fan Connectors

    If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2 for better themal environment. • Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1-3 and OPT_FAN1-2 support ASUS Q-Fan feature. ASUS Maximus Extreme 2-33...

  • Page 62: Chassis Intrusion Connector (4-1 Pin Chassis)

    MAXIMUS EXTREME CHASSIS (Default) MAXIMUS EXTREME Chassis intrusion connector ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.

  • Page 63: Power Supply Requirements

    9.18 15.76 7.96 0.548 Io_rms 12.35 7.68 4.42 8.52 10.74 3.32 5.26 0.413 Vout (V) 11.93 11.9 5.022 3.316 11.42 11.95 Po_max 202.81 135.66 28.42 30.44 179.98 90.82 4.993 5.054 678.18 (continued on the next page) ASUS Maximus Extreme 2-35...
  • Page 64 Power supply requirements Normal Loading PSC 3.73G 1066 DDR800 1GB*2 Nvidia 7800GTX*2 SATA-HD SATA*4 ESATA-HD IDE-HD CD-ROM +12V- +12V- +3.3V +5VSB Total +12V +12V (4 PIN) (24PIN) Io_max 12.72 11.44 6.88 8.72 8.88 4.04 4.14 0.588 Io_rms 9.16 5.86 2.14 2.92 0.435 Vout (V)

  • Page 65: Rog Connector (2-Pin Rog)

    10. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF, for ASUS HDMI VGA card) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). If you are using ASUS HDMI-equipped graphics card, connect the HDMI card to this connector with a S/PDIF out cable.
  • Page 66 IDE_LED MAXIMUS EXTREME PWRSW Requires an ATX power supply. MAXIMUS EXTREME System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
  • Page 67 ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q- Connector. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector.

  • Page 68: Onboard Switches

    Power-on switch Press the clear power-on switch to wake/power up the system. ® MAXIMUS EXTREME MAXIMUS EXTREME Power on switch Reset switch Press the reset switch to reboot the system. ® MAXIMUS EXTREME MAXIMUS EXTREME Reset switch...

  • Page 69: Installing The Optional Fans

    Plug the optional fan cables to the CHA_FAN2, CHA_FAN3 or PWR_FAN connector on the motherboard. When you are using water-cooling modules, make sure to install TWO optional fans to obtain a more effective heat dissipation. ASUS Maximus Extreme 2-41...

  • Page 70: Installing The Diy Pedestal

    2.8.5 Installing the DIY Pedestal Take out the DIY Pedestal from the motherboard package. Arrange and stick the DIY Pedestal to the back of your motherboard. Place the motherboard with the DIY Pedestal as desired to get a more efficient heat dissipation. •...

  • Page 71: Installing Fusion Block System Accessory

    Press the clip and connect the tube to the waterblock. When done, release the clip to tighten the two together. Repeat Step 1 and 2 for another tube. Make sure that both tubes are well connected to prevent leak, and then fill the coolant into the reservoir. ASUS Maximus Extreme 2-43...
  • Page 72 For watercooling system with 1/2” or 10mm ID tubes Insert a fitting (1/2” to 3/8” ID or 10mm to 3/8” ID) into the tube. Your watercooling system may come with tube clips. Use the clips to fasten the fittings and the tubes together. Connect a supplied 3/8”...

  • Page 73: Chapter 3: Powering Up

    This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system. Powering up...
  • Page 74 Chapter summary Starting up for the first time ............3-1 Turning off the computer ............. 3-2 ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 75: Starting Up For The First Time

    One continuous beep followed by three No VGA detected short beeps One continuous beep followed by four Hardware component failure short beeps At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4. ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 76: Turning Off The Computer

    Turning off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows ® Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer. Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer. The power supply should turn off after Windows ®...

  • Page 77: Chapter 4: Bios Setup

    This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. BIOS setup...
  • Page 78 Managing and updating your BIOS ..........4-1 BIOS setup program ..............4-9 Main menu .................. 4-12 Extreme Tweaker menu ............. 4-17 Advanced menu ................. 4-24 Power menu ................4-30 Boot menu .................. 4-35 Tools menu ................. 4-39 Exit menu ..................4-42 ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 79: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows environment.) ® ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk or USB flash disk.) ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk.) ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk, USB flash disk or the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.)
  • Page 80 To update the BIOS through the Internet: desktop by clicking Start Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from the Select the ASUS FTP site nearest...
  • Page 81 To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: desktop by clicking Start Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from a file option from the drop-down menu, then click Next.

  • Page 82: Creating A Bootable Floppy Disk

    4.1.2 Creating a bootable floppy disk Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive. b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>. Windows XP environment ®...

  • Page 83: Asus Ez Flash 2 Utility

    4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt>...

  • Page 84: Afudos Utility

    Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Chapter 4: BIOS setup...
  • Page 85 A:\>afudos /iMaximus Extreme.ROM The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS. A:\>afudos /iMaximus Extreme.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS Reading file ..

  • Page 86: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility

    4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD, the floppy disk, or the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file.

  • Page 87: Bios Setup Program

    The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 88: Bios Menu Screen

    4.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit System Time [10:55:25] Use [ENTER], [TAB] or System Date [Wed 08/22/2007] [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in] Language [English]...

  • Page 89: Menu Items

    Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page Down> keys to display the other items on the screen. 4.2.9 General help Pop-up window At the top right corner of the menu screen Scroll bar is a brief description of the selected item. ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-11...

  • Page 90: Main Menu

    Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Extreme Tweaker...

  • Page 91: Sata 1-6

    When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one sector at a time. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-13...

  • Page 92: Sata Configuration

    DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.

  • Page 93: Ahci Configuration

    Configuration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35] AHCI Port1~6 [XXX] Displays the auto-detected SATA devices. AHCI Port1 Select the type of devices connected to Device :Not Detected the system. SATA Port1 [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Enabled] ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-15...

  • Page 94: System Information

    SATA Port1 [Auto] Allows you to select the type of device connected to the system. Configuration options: [Auto] [Not Installed] SMART Monitoring [Enabled] Enables or disables the Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 4.3.8 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications.

  • Page 95: Extreme Tweaker Menu

    CPU level. If you want to manually configure the settings in detail, set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual] after selecting a CPU level. Configuration options: [Auto] [E6400] [E6550] [E6600] [E6700] [X6800] [E6850] The configuration options may vary depending on your CPU type. ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-17...
  • Page 96 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking configuration options: Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. Auto Loads the standard settings for the system. X.M.P Loads the optimal settings for the system.
  • Page 97 RAS# to CAS# Delay [ 5 DRAM Clocks] Configuration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks]~[17 DRAM Clocks] [18 DRAM Clocks] RAS# Precharge [ 5 DRAM Clocks] Configuration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks]~[17 DRAM Clocks] [18 DRAM Clocks] ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-19...
  • Page 98 RAS# Active Time [15 DRAM Clocks] Configuration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks]~[33 DRAM Clocks] [34 DRAM Clocks] RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks] ROW Refresh Cycle Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [30 DRAM Clocks] [36 DRAM Clocks] [48 DRAM Clocks] [60 DRAM Clocks] [72 DRAM Clocks] Write Recovery Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks]...
  • Page 99 When you set the NB LED Selection item to [NB Volt], the onboard northbridge LED displays northbridge voltage condition. Refer to page 2-2 for northbridge LED definition. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.25V] [1.27V] [1.29V]~[1.77V] [1.79V] [1.81V] ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-21...
  • Page 100 DRAM Voltage [Auto] Allows you to select the DRAM voltage. The text color in the configuration field corresponds to the onboard memory LED color, both of which indicate voltage condition. Refer to page 2-2 for memory LED definition. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.50V] [1.52V] [1.54V] ~ [3.00V] [3.02V] [3.04V] FSB Termination Voltage [Auto] Allows you to select the front side bus (FSB) termination voltage.
  • Page 101 Configuration options: [CPU Volt] [PLL Volt] Frequency LED [Turn on] Turns on/off the onboard frequnecy LED. Configuration options: [Turn on] [Turn off] Voltiminder LED [Enabled] Enables or disables the onboard Voltiminder LED. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-23...

  • Page 102: Advanced Menu

    CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the CPU spread spectrum. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE spread spectrum. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.

  • Page 103: Cpu Configuration

    Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Execute Disable Bit [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the No-Execution Page Protection Technology. Setting this item to [Disabled] forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-25...

  • Page 104: Chipset

    Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled] Setting this item to [Enabled] allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Intel(R) SpeedStep (TM) Tech. [Enabled] This item appears when the CPU Ratio Control item is set to [Auto]. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 4.5.2 Chipset...

  • Page 105: Onboard Devices Configuration

    Configuration options: [RAID] [IDE] [AHCI] JMicron SATA/RAID OptRom [Enabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Marvell GigaBit LAN 1/2 [Enabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] VIA 1394 [Enabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-27...

  • Page 106: Usb Configuration

    LCD Poster Backlight [Disabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] LCD Poster Off [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ROG LOGO LIGHT [Turn On] Configuration options: [Turn On] [Turn Off] 4.5.4 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press <Enter>...

  • Page 107: Pci Pnp

    When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system. When set to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot. Configuration options: [No] [Yes] ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-29...

  • Page 108: Power Menu

    Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Select the ACPI state Suspend Mode [Auto]...

  • Page 109: Apm Configuration

    Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specific keys on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key] ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-31...

  • Page 110: Hardware Monitor

    4.6.6 Hardware Monitor BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature Temperature [38.5ºC/102ºF] Temperature [36ºC/96.5ºF] Temperature [35ºC/95ºF] Temperature [43ºC/109ºF] OPT1 Temperature [N/A] OPT2 Temperature [N/A] OPT3 Temperature [N/A] NB Overheat Protection [Disabled] SB Overheat Protection [Disabled] Select Screen OPT_TEMP1 Overheat Protection [Disabled] Select Item OPT_TEMP2 Overheat Protection...
  • Page 111 (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows N/A. Chassis Q-Fan Controls [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the chassis Q-Fan controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-33...
  • Page 112 The following two items appear when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Controls feature. Chassis Fan Ratio [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [90%] [80%] [70%] [60%] Chassis Target Temperature [37ºC] Configuration options: [28ºC] [31ºC] [34ºC] [37ºC] [40ºC] [43ºC] [46ºC] OPT Q-Fan and Power Fan BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Fan configuration...

  • Page 113: Boot Menu

    These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Configuration options: [xxx Drive] [Disabled] ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-35...

  • Page 114: Boot Settings Configuration

    Full Screen Logo [Enabled] This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 3 feature. ™ AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM.

  • Page 115: Security

    <Enter>. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears. If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 2.6 Slide switch for information on how to erase the RTC RAM. ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-37...

  • Page 116: Change User Password

    After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings <Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to Supervisor Password :Not Installed disabled password. User Password :Not Installed Change Supervisor Password User Access Level...

  • Page 117: Tools Menu

    4.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to confirm your choice. Please see page 4-5, section 4.1.3 for details.

  • Page 118: Asus O.c. Profile

    4.8.2 ASUS O.C. Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools O.C. Profile Configuration Save to Profile 1 O.C. Profile 1 Status :Not Installed O.C. Profile 2 Status :Not Installed Save to Profile 1...

  • Page 119: Ai Net 2

    General Help Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc. POST Check LAN Cable [Disabled] Enables or disables checking of the LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS Maximus Extreme 4-41...

  • Page 120: Exit Menu

    Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Exit Options Exit system setup...

  • Page 121: Chapter 5: Software Support

    This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...
  • Page 122 Chapter summary Installing an operating system ........... 5-1 Support DVD information ............5-1 Software information ..............5-9 RAID configurations ..............5-34 Creating a RAID driver disk ............5-51 ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 123: Installing An Operating System

    The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for updates. 5.2.1 Running the support DVD Place the support DVD to the optical drive.

  • Page 124: Drivers Menu

    The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Drivers Launches the ASUS InstAll driver installation wizard. Intel Chipset Inf Update Program Installs the Intel chipset inf update program.

  • Page 125: Utilities Menu

    Click to display the next screen Click to display the previous screen ASUS InstAll-Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard. Marvell Yukon VCT Application Installs the Marvell Yukon VCT applications. Marvell Yukon CPA Application Installs the Marvell Yukon CPA applications.
  • Page 126 ASUS AI Suite Installs the ASUS AI Suite. ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows ® environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

  • Page 127: Make Disk Menu

    ® RAID/AHCI driver disk. Intel ICH9 32/64 bit RAID/AHCI Driver Allows you to create an ICH9R 32/64bit RAID/AHCI driver disk. JMicron JMB36X 32/64 bit RAID/AHCI Driver Allows you to create a JMicron JMB363 32/64bit RAID/AHCI driver disk. ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 128: Manual Menu

    5.2.5 Manual menu The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual ®...

  • Page 129: Asus Contact Information

    5.2.7 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. 5.2.8 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support DVD.

  • Page 130: Technical Support Form

    Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format. Technical support form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.

  • Page 131: Software Information

    Before using the ASUS MyLogo 3 , use the AFUDOS utility to make a copy ™ of your original BIOS file, or obtain the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website. See section 4.1.4 AFUDOS utility. • Make sure that the BIOS item Full Screen Logo is set to [Enabled] if you wish to use ASUS MyLogo 3™.
  • Page 132 Ratio box. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo. 10. After flashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST.

  • Page 133: Ai Net 2

    LAN cable(s) connected to the LAN port(s). • If you want the system to check the status of the LAN cable before entering the OS, enable the item Post Check LAN Cable in the BIOS Setup. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-11...

  • Page 134: Ai Audio 2 (Soundmax ® High Definition Audio Utility)

    5.3.3 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX High Definition Audio utility) ® The ADI AD1988 High Definition Audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability through the SoundMAX audio utility with AudioESP™ software to ® deliver the ultimate audio experience on your PC. The software implements high quality audio synthesis/rendering, 3D sound positioning, and advanced voice-input technologies.
  • Page 135 Surround Virtualization Activating this function virtualizes surround sound with the vocal clarity added for use with stereo speakers or headphones. SoundMAX BlackHawk (AI Audio2) is available only under the Windows ® Vista™ operating system. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-13...
  • Page 136 Playback Settings To configure the playback settings, click the Playback button on the control panel. You can adjust the volume of the Speakers and SPDIF Interface or mute the audio. Preset settings Click and expand the drop-down menu to select your preferred Digital Signal Processing (DSP) preset.
  • Page 137 Allows you to select an enhanced microphone input features, including No Filtering, Speakerphone, Voice Recording, and Directional Beam. More Settings Click for the further configurations. Equalizer Allows you to configure and customize all the DSP presets frequencies. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-15...
  • Page 138 Speakers Allows you to adjust the Speaker Trim and Speaker Delay. Bass Allows you to do the Bass management. Preferences Displays the preference options for this utility, version information, AudioESP, etc. 5-16 Chapter 5: Software support...
  • Page 139 Control Panel. ® ® Audio Setup Wizard By clicking the icon from the SoundMAX control panel, you can ® easily configure your audio settings. Simply follow the succeeding screen instructions and begin enjoying High Definition Audio. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-17...
  • Page 140 Jack configuration Adjust speaker volume This screen helps you configure This screen helps you adjust speaker volume. Click the Test your computer’s audio ports, depending on the audio devices button to hear the changes you you have installed. have made. Adjust microphone volume This screen helps you adjust microphone volume.
  • Page 141 Click the General tab to choose your playback and recording devices, enable/ disable the AudioESP™ feature, and enable/disable digital output. Listening Environment options Click the Listening Environment tab to set up your speaker, acoustic environment, and enable/disable the Virtual Theater Surround function. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-19...
  • Page 142 Microphone options Click the Microphone tab allows you to optimize your microphone input settings. 5-20 Chapter 5: Software support...

  • Page 143: Asus Pc Probe Ii

    To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows ® > ASUS > PC Probe II > PC Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window appears. After launching the application, the PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows ®...
  • Page 144 Button Function Opens the Configuration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window Shows/Hides the Preference section Minimizes the application Closes the application Sensor alert...
  • Page 145 Click to clicking the or buttons. You can increase also adjust the threshold values value using the Config window. Click to You cannot adjust the sensor decrease threshold values in a small value monitoring panel. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-23...
  • Page 146 Monitoring sensor alert The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below. Small display Large display WMI browser Click to display the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) browser. This browser displays various Windows®...
  • Page 147 Click a hard disk drive to display the information on the right panel. The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available HDD space. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-25...
  • Page 148 Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory. The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available physical memory. Configuring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values. The Config window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference.

  • Page 149: Asus Ai Suite

    5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear 3, AI Booster, AI Nap, Q-Fan 2, and CPU Level Up utilities easily. Install the ASUS EPU + AI Gear 3 Driver before the ASUS AI Suite utility.
  • Page 150 Other feature buttons Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window. Displays the CPU/ system temperature, CPU/memory/PCIE voltage, and CPU/ chassis fan speed Displays the FSB/CPU frequency Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Page 151: Asus Epu Utility-Ai Gear 3

    5.3.6 ASUS EPU Utility—AI Gear 3 ASUS AI Gear 3 is a utility designed to configure and support all ASUS Energy Processing Unit (EPU) features. This easy-to-use utility provides four system performance profiles that adjust the processor frequency and vCore voltage for different computing needs.

  • Page 152: Asus Ai Nap

    5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a quieter system operation. After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI Nap button on the AI Suite main window.

  • Page 153: Asus Q-Fan 2

    5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2 This ASUS Q-Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan 2 or the Chassis Q-Fan 2 for more efficient system operation. After enabling the Q-Fan 2 function, the fans can be set to automatically adjust depending on the temperature, to decrease fan speed, or to achieve the maximum fan speed.

  • Page 154: Asus Ai Booster

    5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. ® After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, you can launch the utility...

  • Page 155: Cpu Level Up

    OS taskbar and click the CPU ® Level Up button on the AI Suite main window. The options on the taskbar allow you to select the CPU level, adjust advanced CPU/Memory/PCI-E frequency, or create and apply your personal overclocking configurations. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-33...

  • Page 156: Raid Configurations

    RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the Intel ICH9R Southbridge RAID controller that ® allows you to configure IDE and Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. 5.4.1 RAID definitions RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks.

  • Page 157: Installing Serial Ata Hard Disks

    Select the item Onboard Serial-ATA BOOTROM, press <Enter>, then select Enabled from the options. Save your changes, then exit the BIOS Setup. Refer to the system or the motherboard user guide for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-35...

  • Page 158: Intel Matrix Storage Manager Option Rom Utility

    Intel Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM Utility ® The Intel Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM utility allows you to create RAID 0, ® RAID 1, RAID 10 (RAID 0+1), and RAID 5 set(s) from Serial ATA hard disk drives that are connected to the Serial ATA connectors supported by the Southbridge. To enter the Intel ®...

  • Page 159: Creating A Raid 0 Set (Striped)

    Select 2 to 4 disks to use in creating the volume. [↑↓]-Previous/Next [SPACE]-Selects [ENTER]-Selection Complete Use the up/down arrow key to highlight a drive, then press <Space> to select. A small triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after completing your selection. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-37...
  • Page 160 Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID 0 array, then press <Enter>. The available stripe size values range from 4 KB to 128 KB. The default stripe size is 128 KB. TIP: We recommend a lower stripe size for server systems, and a higher stripe size for multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing.

  • Page 161: Creating A Raid 1 Set (Mirrored)

    WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST. Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N): Press <Y> to create the RAID volume and return to main menu or <N> to go back to Create Volume menu. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-39...
  • Page 162 Creating a RAID 10 set (RAID 0+1) To create a RAID 10 set: From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume, then press <Enter>. This screen appears. Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM v5.0.0.1032 ICH9R wRAID5 Copyright(C) 2003-05 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ CREATE ARRAY MENU Name: Volume10...
  • Page 163 [↑↓]-Change [TAB]-Next [ESC]-Previous Menu [Enter]-Select Enter a name for the RAID 5 set, then press <Enter>. When the RAID Level item is highlighted, press the up/down arrow key to select RAID 5(Parity), then press <Enter>. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-41...
  • Page 164 The Disks item is highlighted, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives to configure as RAID. The following pop-up screen appears. [ SELECT DISKS Port Drive Model Serial # Size Status 0 XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XX.XGB Non-RAID Disk 1 XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XX.XGB Non-RAID Disk 2 XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX...

  • Page 165: Jmicron

    Create a JMB363 RAID driver disk for Windows ® OS installation. See section 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details. Install the JMB363 driver after the Windows ® OS had been installed. Always install the JMB363 driver before creating RAID sets. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-43...

  • Page 166: Creating A Raid Set

    Entering the JMB363 RAID BIOS utility During POST, press <Ctrl-J> to enter the JBM363 RAID BIOS menu. JMicron Technology Corp. PCI-to-SATA II/IDE RAID Controller BIOS v0.97 Copyright (C) 2004-2005 JMicron Technology http://www. jmicron.com HDD0 : HDS722516VLSA80 164 GB Non-RAID HDD1 : HDS722516DLA380 164 GB Non-RAID Press <Ctrl-J>...
  • Page 167 Key in the RAID volume capacity. Use the up/down arrow to choose the block size. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity. [Create New RAID] Name : JRAID Level: 0-Stripe Disks: Select Disk Block: 128 KB Size : Confirm Creation ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-45...
  • Page 168 When done, press <Enter> to confirm the creation of the RAID set. A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; otherwise, press <N>. JMicron Technology Corp. PCI-to-SATA II/IDE RAID Controller BIOS v0.97 [Hard Disk Drive List] [Create New RAID] Name: JRAID Model Name...

  • Page 169: Deleting A Raid Set

    ARE YOU SURE TO DELETE (Y/N)? Y Model Name RAID Level Capacity Status Members(HDDx) RDD0: JRAID 0-Stripe XXX GB Normal TAB]-Switch Window [ ↑↓ ]-Select Item [ENTER]-Action [ESC]-Exit Pressing <Y> deletes all the data in the HDDs. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-47...

  • Page 170: Resetting Disks To Non-Raid

    Resetting disks to non-RAID • An HDD that has been previously configured as part of another RAID set in another platform is called a broken RAID HDD. When you install a broken RAID HDD, you cannot select this HDD when configuring a RAID set through the JMB363 utility.

  • Page 171: Solving A Mirror Conflict

    RAID Inside Solve Mirror Conflict Rebuild Mirror Drive Save and Exit Setup Exit Without Saving [RAID Disk Drive List] Model Name RAID Level Capacity Status Members(HDDx) RDD0: JRAID 1-Mirror XXX GB Rebuild Rebuilding... 01%, please wait... ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-49...

  • Page 172: Rebuilding A Mirror Drive

    Rebuilding a Mirror Drive When one of the disks in a RAID 1 (Mirror) configuration is unplugged from the system, then plugged in again, a dialogue box appears to ask you to rebuild the Mirror drive. Press <Y> to confirm; otherwise, press <N>. This option allows you to rebuild the Mirror drive later and synchronize the data between two hard disks.

  • Page 173: Creating A Raid Driver Disk

    Press <F6> then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive. When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, make sure you select ICH9R. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation. ASUS Maximus Extreme 5-51...
  • Page 174 To install the RAID driver in Windows Vista™: ® Insert the floppy disk/USB device with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive/USB port. During the OS installation, select Intel ICH9R. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation. 5-52 Chapter 5: Software support...

  • Page 175: Technology Support

    This chapter tells how to install ATI ® CrossFire™ graphics cards to avail of ATI’s Multi-Video Processing technology. CrossFire™ ® technology support...
  • Page 176 Chapter summary Overview ..................6-1 Installing CrossFire™ graphics cards ........6-2 Software information ..............6-5 ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 177: Overview

    Before you begin Uninstall other graphics card drivers in your system To uninstall other graphics card drivers: Close all current applications. Go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. Select your current graphics card driver/s. Select Add/Remove. Restart your system. ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 178: Installing Crossfire™ Graphics Cards

    Installing CrossFire™ graphics cards Before installing a CrossFire™ system, refer to the user guide that came with the ATI CrossFire™ Edition graphics card. ® To install the graphics cards: Prepare one CrossFire™ Edition (Master) graphics card and one CrossFire™-ready (Slave) graphics card. Slave graphics card Master graphics card Insert the CrossFire™...
  • Page 179 Insert the CrossFire™-ready (Slave) graphics card into the PCI Express x16 blue slot. Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot. Connect an auxiliary power source from the power supply to the graphics cards. ASUS Maximus Extreme...
  • Page 180 Connect one end of the external cable to the Master graphics card. Connect the other end of the external cable to the Slave graphics card. Connect the loose end to the corresponding port on your monitor. Chapter 6: ATI MVP technology support ®...

  • Page 181: Software Information

    Hardware Wizard window. Click Cancel. Place the CrossFire™ installation CD in your optical drive and install drivers from the opening menu. Click Next to continue from the installation window that appears. Read the License Agreement, then click Yes. ASUS Maximus Extreme...
  • Page 182 Select the components that you want to install, then click Next. • Select Express to install the HydraVision™ multi-monitor and desktop management software, as well as the ATI driver. • Select Custom to individually choose desired software components. Setup prepares the installation wizard that will guide you to setup process.

  • Page 183: Using The Catalyst™ Control Center

    Start > ATI Catalyst™ Control Center > • On the Windows ® Catalyst™ Control Center • Double-click the Catalyst™ Control Center desktop shortcut. • On the Windows task bar, double- ® click the Catalyst™ Control Center icon. ASUS Maximus Extreme...
  • Page 184 The Catalyst™ Control Center Dialog Box View The Catalyst™ Control Center provides two views: Standard - simple view with wizards for beginners Advance - allows advanced users to access and configure the complete features of the software Set to Advance view to enable the CrossFire™ function. Chapter 6: ATI MVP technology support ®...
  • Page 185 In the CrossFire™ Settings dialog, tick the box opposite Enable CrossFire™. Click OK to effect the setting. Hotkeys Click the Hotkeys tab on the Catalyst™ Control Center to access the Hotkeys Manager, which allows you to create key combinations as shortcuts for performing certain functions quickly. ASUS Maximus Extreme...
  • Page 186 Profiles Click the Profiles tab on the Catalyst™ Control Center to access the Profiles Manager, which allows you to create customized environments for your desktop, video, and 3D applications. Preferences Click the Preferences tab on the Catalyst™ Control Center to select a language, restore defaults, change skins, or enable/disable the System Tray icon.
  • Page 187 Help Click the Help tab on the Catalyst™ Control Center to access the online help system, generate a Problem Report, and get the Catalyst™ Control Center version information. ASUS Maximus Extreme 6-11...
  • Page 188 6-12 Chapter 6: ATI MVP technology support ®...

  • Page 189: Appendix: Cpu Features

    The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the motherboard supports as well as the debug code table for the LCD Poster. CPU features...

  • Page 190: A.1 Intel ® Em64T

    Chapter summary Intel ® EM64T ..................A-1 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST) ......A-1 ® Intel Hyper-Threading Technology ...........A-3 ® Debug Code Table ................A-4 ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 191: Intel ® Em64T

    32-bit operating systems. • The motherboard comes with a BIOS file that supports EM64T. You can download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website (www.asus.com/ support/download/) if you need to update the BIOS file. See Chapter 4 for details.

  • Page 192: Using The Eist

    A.2.2 Using the EIST To use the EIST feature: Turn on the computer, then enter the BIOS Setup. Go to the Advanced Menu, highlight CPU Configuration, then press <Enter>. Set the Intel(R) SpeedStep (TM) Tech. item to [Enabled], then press <Enter>.

  • Page 193: Intel ® Hyper-Threading Technology

    Power up the system and enter the BIOS Setup. Under the Advanced Menu, make sure that the item Hyper-Threading Technology is set to [Enabled]. The BIOS item appears only if you installed a CPU that supports Hyper-Threading Technology. Restart the computer. ASUS Maximus Extreme...

  • Page 194: Debug Code Table

    Debug code table Code Description CPU INIT CPU Initiation DET CPU Test CMOS R/W functionality. Early chipset initialization: -Disable shadow RAM CHIPINIT -Disable L2 cache -Program basic chipset registers Detect memory DET DRAM -Auto-detection of DRAM size, type and ECC. -Auto-detection of L2 cache DC FCODE Expand compressed BIOS code to DRAM...
  • Page 195 CASEOPEN Case open Clear EPA or customization logo. 1. Call chipset power management hook. PASSWORD 2. Recover the text fond used by EPA logo (not for full screen logo) 3. If password is set, ask for password. ASUS Maximus Extreme...
  • Page 196 Initialize PnP boot devices 1. USB final Initialization 2. NET PC: Build SYSID structure 3. Switch screen back to text mode USB FINAL 4. Set up ACPI table at top of memory. 5. Invoke ISA adapter ROMs 6. Assign IRQs to PCI devices 7.

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